Smyrna times., 1887-03-23
WHOLE NO. 1852.

door, hoping the soft summer breeze
would cool her hot forehead.
As she stood there she suddenly heard
sharp cry Of distress then something tore
past in the road, beating up the yellow
dust in binding clouds.
"A runaway she said, and her heart
seemed to cease beating for an instant.
She ran down the path and out into the
road. The horses had dashed on, hut
something Of wreck was perceptible
short distance off.
Minerva thought she could see some one
lying by the roadside She ran on toward
1t at her utmost speed
"Oh, Jason, JasOnw she mOaned, bend
ing down over him.
Not dead, thank heaven! Only stunned.
perhaps. She raised HIS head, loosened
his collar and asked herself what next.
Turning for moment she looked back
down the road and saw some one going in
at her own gate. 1t was a woman. She
flew back toward home TO ask help OF
whomever it may be
1t was Mrs. Darrelli She was very male
and addressed the girl anxiously.
II m afraid an accident has happened
Mr.. Hawkes.. His team ran away''-
HE is lying in the road unconscious" !"
Minerva interrupted. viii You help me
some way to-
Let us 90 quickly" said the other.
And so they had aot lost an instant.
Jason had come to himself
Badly shaken up, that's all, " he said
with an unnerved laugh, and, leaning on
their arms, limped back To Minerya's
home.
Minerva drew up the arm chair in the
sitting room, and left him there with Mrs.
int IL
make cooling drink for her guests, per
force.
Through the open door between the
rooms she could hear Jason's voice gloomy
and disturbed
Good thing, perhaps, II l had been
Killed Wouldn't have cared much"
,'Oh, but you shouldn say that. " the
soft voice Of Mrs Darrell replied You
ought to care. Things may come right,
you know. -
Minervas heart seemed TO twist up
within her in a sudden jealous frenzy
She could fancy just how the widow
dark, soft eyes were gazing into his: lust
how her white and graceful hand Law on
his arm
Yes, things might come right. But
why should Jason speak glOOmilys She
had given him his freedom.
The haLG with which she offered him
the glass Of lemonade shook percept.bly
Did Jason observe it
Il am going away tomorrow, Miss
WoOdfOrd, he said rather stiffiy. Per
haps may carry your good wishes with
me. | greatly regret having made you
this trouble"
The widow had slipped out on the porch.
1T is no trouble whatever. Mr..
Hawkes., " replied Minerva.
Miss WOOdford, - said a soft, smooth
voice from out among the roses. won't
you please come out here a mOments"
Minerva Obeyed.
The widow came near the girl and laid
her gentle hand upon her arm.
Il have heard so much Of YOU. she
said, in low tone. Il feel as II we
might be friends have been trying 10
come and see you for so long; was on my
way this morning am afraid YOU feel
unkindly toward poor Jason Please,
please don't feel so. He has not been 10
blame
Minerva's heart was boiling within her.
She answered with an effort.
Il was not aware of any unkind feel
ings. Ii can interest you very little how
l feel "
''Oh, but pardon me 1t interests me
exceedingly"
oh said Minerva, with sudden sar-
casm. To be sure, forgot Will you
permit me to congratulate Mr. Hawkes.
Mrs. Darrell looked perplexed
Congratulate For what"
Upon MS engagement to yous' said
Minerva, with little gasp.
"You-fOOlish-child. Who put such
nonsense in your head" Mrs Darrell
was actually laughing Did you fancy
why, child, / am six years older than
he. Besides am To marry his cousin
Frank, who is in Europe now / thought
he had gold you. There. now, run in %
him and make it all up. I'm OF for the
present But I'll be back
Minerva turned into the house with
cheeks afiame.
Jason, she said, IL think was
too hasty last night. lit was a mis-
take"
Jason sprans to his feet and drew her
into his arms.
who was it that came goSsiping 10
YOU Wasn't it Miss Perkins"
''Yes said Minerva, slowly 1T was
Miss Perkins. But I dont believe her
now. New York Journal